Maharashtra becomes first Indian state to use Automated Weather Stations for farmers

Around 2,065 such weather stations will come in Maharashtra on PPP (public private partnership) models

IIT Roorkee scientists create low-cost solar cells using Jamun

Researchers used naturally occurring pigment found in jamun as an inexpensive photosensitiser for Dye Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSCs) or Gratzel cells.

Gratzel cells are thin film solar cells composed of a porous layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) coated photoanode, a layer of dye molecules that absorbs sunlight, an electrolyte for regenerating the dye, and a cathode.

Real Estate Act comes into effect

The Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016, the landmark realty law to protect home buyers from unscrupulous developers

States have to notify the realty rules and set up Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)

It makes it mandatory for all builders - developing a project where the land exceeds 500 square metre - to register with RERA before launching or even advertising their project.

Not doing so will invite up to a maximum imprisonment of 3 years or fine of up to 10% of the total project cost.